Oil Portrait of William Roebuck Sears Roebuck Family, 19th Century, Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

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Early 19th-Century American Oil Portrait of William Roebuck – Sears Roebuck Family Connection

**American School Circa 1800–1825 Oil Painting**

An … Read more Early 19th-Century American Oil Portrait of William Roebuck – Sears Roebuck Family Connection

**American School Circa 1800–1825 Oil Painting**

An attractive and historically fascinating early nineteenth-century American oil portrait of a gentleman traditionally identified as **William Roebuck (c.1735–c.1826)**, associated with Virginia and the early pioneer settlement of Fayette County, Ohio.

The sitter is presented in a formal half-length composition, wearing a dark coat, a high white collar and cravat, and a warm ochre-coloured neckcloth. His carefully observed features, direct gaze and dignified expression are characteristic of American portraiture of the Federal period.

The portrait is housed in an ornate gilt frame with richly moulded decorative borders, complementing the character and period of the painting.

## William Roebuck and Early American Pioneer History

William Roebuck is recorded in nineteenth-century genealogical accounts as a farmer and Revolutionary War soldier whose family became established in Ohio during the early years of American westward settlement.

Of particular historical interest is a reference in Rufus Putnam's 1872 publication, *Pioneer Record and Reminiscences of the Early Settlers and Settlement of Fayette County, Ohio*.

The book describes **“Roebuck's grocery” as the first grocery opened in Fayette County**, situated approximately one mile below the Funk family homestead, near the East Fork in the area subsequently known as Paint Township.

The account recounts a colourful incident involving the pioneer Adam Funk and his companions, providing a rare glimpse into the commercial and social life of the early Ohio frontier.

Local historical research has also identified members of the Roebuck family living in Paint Township during the nineteenth century.

Although the historical account identifies the grocery proprietor only by surname, the possible association with William Roebuck provides an interesting avenue for further research.

## Family Connection to Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Of additional historical interest is the researched genealogical connection between the early Roebuck family and **Alvah Curtis Roebuck (1864–1948)**, co-founder with Richard Warren Sears of the celebrated American retail business Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Published nineteenth-century biographical material identifies William Roebuck as the father of Reuel Roebuck. Later genealogical research proposes a line of descent through Reuel Roebuck, George Roebuck and Samuel Roebuck to Alvah Curtis Roebuck.

This would make William Roebuck the great-great-grandfather of Alvah Curtis Roebuck, although the complete lineage remains subject to further documentary verification.

The association adds another compelling dimension to the painting's historical context, linking an early American pioneer family with one of the most recognisable names in American retail history.

## Historical Research and Provenance

The portrait has been the subject of research into the Roebuck family of Virginia and Ohio, including examination of nineteenth-century county histories, genealogical accounts, census records and correspondence with local historical researchers in Fayette County.

The identification of the sitter as William Roebuck is traditional and has not been independently authenticated. The connection between the sitter and the proprietor of Roebuck's grocery also remains unconfirmed.

An appealing example of early American portraiture, particularly suitable for collectors of Georgian and Federal-period paintings, American historical portraits and objects associated with the early settlement of the United States.

**Details**

- **Artist:** American School, artist unidentified
- **Date:** Circa 1800–1825
- **Subject:** Gentleman traditionally identified as William Roebuck
- **Medium:** Oil painting
- **Dimensions:** 45 cm high × 40 cm wide
- **Frame:** Decorative gilt frame
- **Origin:** American, traditionally associated with Virginia and Ohio
- **Condition:** Please refer to photographs; further details available upon request

**Historical References**

Rufus Putnam, *Pioneer Record and Reminiscences of the Early Settlers and Settlement of Fayette County, Ohio*, 1872. See less